Question 1

A laboratory rat has an electrode implanted in its brain. By pressing a metal bar in its cage, the animal can activate the electrode. Which of the following is most likely to be true?
A) If the animal presses the bar repeatedly, then the electrode is probably in an area associated with appetitive motivation.
B) If the animal presses the bar once, then never touches it again, then the electrode is probably in an area associated with aversive motivation.
C) Such an experiment has no relevance to emotional states in humans or human behavior.
D) Both if the animal presses the bar repeatedly, then the electrode is probably in an area associated with appetitive motivation and if the animal presses the bar once, then never touches it again, then the electrode is probably in an area associated with aversive motivation are correct.
E) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

If the animal presses the bar repeatedly, it suggests that activation of the electrode is reinforcing and pleasurable, indicating that it is located in an area associated with appetitive motivation. On the other hand, if the animal presses the bar only once and then never touches it again, it suggests that activation of the electrode is unpleasant or painful, indicating that it is located in an area associated with aversive motivation. Therefore, both options (A) and (B) are correct. This experiment can provide valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying these motivation systems in animals, which can help us understand the corresponding systems in humans as well. Hence, option (C) is incorrect. Therefore, the best choice is option (D).

Question 2

The alpha rhythm is the most prominent EEG pattern when an adult is
A) in REM sleep.
B) in non-REM sleep.
C) awake and relaxed with eyes open.
D) awake and thinking hard about something.

Accepted Answer

The alpha rhythm is typically observed when an adult is awake and relaxed with their eyes open. During this state, the brain is not actively processing visual information, which allows the alpha rhythm to be visible on an EEG recording. The other options do not typically exhibit the alpha rhythm.

Question 3

It is believed that the rhythmic patterns of the EEG most likely originate from this structure in the brain.
A) hypothalamus
B) thalamus
C) basal ganglia
D) cerebellum
E) hippocampus

Accepted Answer

The thalamus is considered the gateway to the cortex and the source of the rhythmic patterns seen in the EEG. It is responsible for relaying sensory information to the cortex and coordinating motor activity.

Question 4

Regarding schizophrenia,
A) it is a family of mental disorders that involves disturbances of thinking, perceiving and control of motor activity.
B) its symptoms can include paranoid delusions and hallucinations.
C) it probably has a hereditary component.
D) both "it is a family of mental disorders that involves disturbances of thinking, perceiving and control of motor activity" and "its symptoms can include paranoid delusions and hallucinations" are correct.
E) all of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

All of the choices are correct. Schizophrenia is a family of mental disorders characterized by disturbances in thinking, perceiving, and motor control. Symptoms can include paranoid delusions, hallucinations, disordered speech, and social withdrawal. It is believed to have a hereditary component, although environmental factors also play a role.

Question 5

This part of the brain is thought to control the various states of consciousness.
A) cerebral cortex
B) reticular activating system
C) thalamus
D) cerebellum
E) hippocampus

Accepted Answer

The reticular activating system, located in the brainstem, is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and maintaining various states of consciousness. The other structures listed are important for other functions such as sensory processing (thalamus), memory (hippocampus), and motor coordination (cerebellum). The cerebral cortex plays a role in consciousness, but is not solely responsible for it.

Question 6

Habituation to a stimulus
A) is due to receptor fatigue.
B) is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals.
C) can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type.
D) both "is due to receptor fatigue" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct.
E) both "is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct.

Accepted Answer

Habituation to a stimulus is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals. This is due to the fact that with repeated exposure to the same stimulus, the synaptic terminals become less responsive and release less neurotransmitter. However, habituation can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type, indicating that the decrease in neurotransmitter release is not permanent and can be reversed by a stronger stimulus. Therefore, both "is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct. Option A is incorrect because receptor fatigue is not the cause of habituation. Option B is partially correct as decreased calcium influx does play a role in habituation, but decreased neurotransmitter release is the underlying cause. Option C is partially correct as stronger stimuli can overcome habituation, but it is specifically a stronger stimulus of the same type that is needed. Option D is incorrect as receptor fatigue is not the cause of habituation.

Question 7

Which of the following statements regarding the brain areas that direct emotion is not true?
A) The hypothalamus is the site of the conscious feeling of emotion.
B) The hypothalamus integrates emotional behaviors.
C) The limbic system delivers information about emotion from the cerebral cortex to the hypothalamus.
D) The cerebral cortex is responsible for control over emotions.
E) None of the choices are true.

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is involved in regulating emotional behaviors and physiological responses to emotions, but it is not the site of conscious feeling of emotion. The conscious feeling of emotion is believed to originate from the cerebral cortex.

Question 8

Damage to the septum of the limbic system causes a tame animal to become vicious, whereas destruction of the amygdala will make the same animal docile again. Which of the following statements may explain this result or correctly follow from it?
A) The septum is required for the expression of rage.
B) In a normal animal, the septum may inhibit the amygdala.
C) Stimulation of the septum in a normal animal would be likely to provoke rage.
D) Both "the septum is required for the expression of rage" and "in a normal animal, the septum may inhibit the amygdala" are correct.
E) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

The destruction of the amygdala makes the animal docile again, suggesting that the amygdala is responsible for aggressive behavior. Therefore, in a normal animal, the septum may inhibit the amygdala to prevent the expression of rage. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A and C are both incorrect because they suggest that the septum itself is responsible for rage, which is not necessarily the case. Choice D is partially correct but is not the best answer because it does not explain why the amygdala plays a role in aggressive behavior. Choice E is incorrect because not all of the choices are correct.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about sleep is correct?
A) Sleep typically occurs in stages in which a subject goes through progressively deeper stages of sleep and then awakens.
B) Sleep typically occurs in cycles in which a subject will cycle through various stages of slow-wave sleep punctuated by paradoxical sleep several times during one bout of sleep.
C) During REM sleep, blood pressure and breathing rate become elevated.
D) Both "sleep typically occurs in stages in which a subject goes through progressively deeper stages of sleep and then awakens" and "during REM sleep, blood pressure and breathing rate become elevated" are correct.
E) Both "sleep typically occurs in cycles in which a subject will cycle through various stages of slow-wave sleep punctuated by paradoxical sleep several times during one bout of sleep" and "during REM sleep, blood pressure and breathing rate become elevated" are correct.

Accepted Answer

Sleep typically occurs in cycles in which a subject will cycle through various stages of slow-wave sleep punctuated by paradoxical sleep several times during one bout of sleep. During REM sleep, blood pressure and breathing rate become elevated.

Question 10

Regarding schizophrenia,
A) people with schizophrenia frequently have disorders of sensory awareness.
B) treatment of schizophrenia may result in symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
C) lithium carbonate is the most common drug prescribed for schizophrenia.
D) both "people with schizophrenia frequently have disorders of sensory awareness" and "treatment of schizophrenia may result in symptoms of Parkinson's disease" are correct.
E) both "treatment of schizophrenia may result in symptoms of Parkinson's disease" and "lithium carbonate is the most common drug prescribed for schizophrenia" are correct.

Accepted Answer

People with schizophrenia frequently experience disorders of sensory awareness, such as hallucinations and delusions. Treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medication may result in symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, including tremors and rigid movements. Lithium carbonate is not commonly prescribed for schizophrenia, as it is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder.

Question 11

Which of the following most accurately describes the state of consciousness known as REM sleep?
A) EEG tracings show large amplitude, low-frequency waves; subject has very low muscle tone; if awakened will usually report dreaming
B) EEG tracings show low amplitude, high-frequency activity; subject has normal muscle tone; if awakened will usually report dreaming
C) EEG tracings show low amplitude, high-frequency activity; subject has very low muscle tone; if awakened will usually report dreaming
D) EEG tracings show low amplitude, high-frequency activity; subject has normal muscle tone; if awakened will not usually report dreaming
E) EEG tracings show large amplitude, low-frequency waves; subject has normal muscle tone; if awakened will usually report dreaming

Accepted Answer

REM sleep is characterized by low amplitude, high-frequency brain activity similar to an awake state, but with very low muscle tone, also known as atonia. Most of the time, if awakened during REM sleep, the subject will report having a dream.

Question 12

In sleep apnea A) a person with the disorder experiences symptoms of sleep deprivation. B) periodic bouts of respiratory failure are experienced throughout the night. C) slow-wave and REM sleep predominate in sleep cycling. D) seriously low blood O₂ levels result. E) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea involves symptoms of sleep deprivation due to disrupted sleep, periodic respiratory failure, and can lead to low blood oxygen levels.

Question 13

If you were to record your own EEG activity while concentrating very hard on this exam, the most prominent EEG pattern would be
A) alpha rhythm.
B) beta rhythm.
C) delta rhythm.
D) theta rhythm.

Accepted Answer

Beta rhythm is associated with intense mental activity and concentration, such as during an exam. Alpha rhythm is seen when one is awake and relaxed, delta rhythm is seen during deep sleep, and theta rhythm is seen during meditation or drowsiness. Thus, beta rhythm would be the most prominent EEG pattern during intense cognitive activity.

Question 14

Drugs that are used to treat depression increase the levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain.
A) glutamate
B) serotonin
C) GABA
D) acetylcholine
E) dopamine

Accepted Answer

Drugs used to treat depression are commonly classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This leads to an increase in serotonin levels, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Question 15

Which of the descriptions is not descriptive of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep?
A) visible movements of the eyes resembling those of one tracking the movements of objects in space, watching TV, etc.
B) difficulty arousing the sleeper
C) oxygen consumption decreases by comparison to NREM sleep and in an alert wakeful state
D) it represents 20%-25% of a person's "sleeptime"
E) skeletal muscle activity is markedly reduced, except for the extraocular and respiratory muscles

Accepted Answer

Oxygen consumption actually increases during REM sleep compared to NREM sleep and an alert wakeful state.

Question 16

Bipolar disorders
A) involve both mania and depression.
B) are most effectively treated with drugs that increase availability of dopamine.
C) are an exaggeration of normal changes in mood.
D) both "involve both mania and depression" and "are most effectively treated with drugs that increase availability of dopamine" are correct.
E) both "involve both mania and depression" and "are an exaggeration of normal changes in mood" are correct.

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorders involve both extremes of mood, including mania and depression, which are an exaggeration of normal changes in mood. Drugs that increase dopamine may be used in treatment, but there are also other medications and therapy options available.

Question 17

Regarding its role as a neurotransmitter in the CNS, norepinephrine
A) is secreted by brainstem neurons in response to sensory stimulation.
B) amplifies weak sensory signals and dampens strong ones so that more information can reach conscious levels.
C) is important for maintaining directed attention.
D) both "is secreted by brainstem neurons in response to sensory stimulation" and "is important for maintaining directed attention" are correct.
E) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Both choice A and choice C are correct. Norepinephrine is secreted by brainstem neurons in response to sensory stimulation and is important for maintaining directed attention. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of norepinephrine in the peripheral nervous system, not the central nervous system.

Question 18

Schizophrenia is most strongly associated with excessive production of or sensitivity to
A) dopamine.
B) acetylcholine.
C) norepinephrine.
D) enkephalin.
E) lithium carbonate.

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is most strongly associated with excessive production of or sensitivity to dopamine. This is supported by the fact that antipsychotic medications, which are used to treat schizophrenia, work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Additionally, some illicit drugs that can induce a schizophrenia-like state, such as amphetamines, increase dopamine levels in the brain.

Question 19

During paradoxical sleep,
A) brain neurotransmitter activity in the pathways regulating states of consciousness is similar to that in the awake state.
B) brain oxygen consumption is lower than when awake.
C) skeletal muscle tension is dramatically increased.
D) the person is easily aroused.
E) All of the choices occur.

Accepted Answer

During paradoxical sleep (also known as REM sleep), brain neurotransmitter activity in the pathways regulating states of consciousness is similar to that in the awake state. This is why dreams during this stage can feel very vivid and real, as the brain is highly active and processing information similarly to when we are awake. Options B, C, and D are all incorrect, as brain oxygen consumption is actually higher during paradoxical sleep, skeletal muscle tension is dramatically decreased (to the point of temporary paralysis), and the person is not easily aroused and may require significant stimuli to wake up.

Question 20

Which of the following is not descriptive of REM sleep?
A) It is the period when dreaming occurs.
B) It normally occurs only once per night, usually just before waking up.
C) Postural muscles are virtually paralyzed during REM sleep.
D) EEG waves that resemble the awake state can be recorded during REM sleep.
E) Eyes move rapidly back and forth beneath closed lids.

Accepted Answer

REM sleep occurs multiple times throughout the night in roughly 90 minute cycles.

Quiz 8: Consciousness, the Brain, and Behavior

A laboratory rat has an electrode implanted in its brain. By pressing a metal bar in its cage, the animal can activate the electrode. Which of the following is most likely to be true?

The alpha rhythm is the most prominent EEG pattern when an adult is

It is believed that the rhythmic patterns of the EEG most likely originate from this structure in the brain.

Regarding schizophrenia,

This part of the brain is thought to control the various states of consciousness.

Habituation to a stimulus

Which of the following statements regarding the brain areas that direct emotion is not true?

Damage to the septum of the limbic system causes a tame animal to become vicious, whereas destruction of the amygdala will make the same animal docile again. Which of the following statements may explain this result or correctly follow from it?

Which of the following statements about sleep is correct?

Regarding schizophrenia,

Which of the following most accurately describes the state of consciousness known as REM sleep?

In sleep apnea

If you were to record your own EEG activity while concentrating very hard on this exam, the most prominent EEG pattern would be

Drugs that are used to treat depression increase the levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain.

Which of the descriptions is not descriptive of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep?

Bipolar disorders

Regarding its role as a neurotransmitter in the CNS, norepinephrine

Schizophrenia is most strongly associated with excessive production of or sensitivity to

During paradoxical sleep,

Which of the following is not descriptive of REM sleep?